Benning was vague on Miller’s prognosis, saying more evaluation was needed before a timeline for return could be provided.

“He’ll do an MRI in the next couple of days and we’ll know where he’s at,” Benning said (audio). “We won’t know the extend of it until he gets the MRI done. We’re hoping it won’t be too long, but we’ll have a better idea in the next couple of days.”

In the meantime, the Canucks have recalled Jacob Markstrom from the Utica Comets.

Markstrom, acquired from Florida in the Roberto Luongo trade, is among the AHL leaders with a .932 save percentage in 26 appearances. His play in the minors has many wondering if he could be the Canucks’ full-time backup next season.

“He’s had a real good year down in Utica,” said Benning. “[He] deserves a chance to come up and help our team win. … We think he’s made great strides in his game, so this will be a good opportunity to get him up and see where he’s at.”

But for now, the Canucks are Eddie Lack’s team. The popular 27-year-old has a respectable .917 save percentage in 20 appearances, which is actually higher than Miller’s .913 mark in 44 games.

“When we started the year, we wanted to have depth in goal for this very situation,” said Benning.

“Going into the season, when we signed Ryan, we wanted an experienced goalie in this marketplace. (But) Eddie was the number-one goalie at the end of last year, so he can carry that load for us. We’re confident in him. He’s played well for us this year.”

Here’s the hit in question, which occurred during Ottawa’s 4-1 win on Saturday:

The incident happened early in the second period, with Cowen receiving an interference minor. Jokinen appeared to be shook up initially but didn’t miss any time, finishing the game with 16:21 TOI.

Cowen, 24, did have a history with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety as a repeat offender. Back in December of 2013, he was suspended two games for an illegal check to the heat of Buffalo’s Zemgus Girgensons:

As a result of today’s suspension, Cowen will miss Ottawa’s next three games: Wednesday in Anaheim, Thursday in Los Angeles and Saturday in San Jose.

Jared Cowen on suspension: “I’m disappointed. I think 3 games is a bit much. I didn’t hurt anyone and I didn’t mean to hurt anyone.”

The NHL’s Department of Player Safety announced via Twitter that Cowen will have a hearing with the league on Monday.

The hit occurred early in the second period, as Jokinen had entered Ottawa territory. He passed the puck off and didn’t appear to be expecting contact, when Cowen caught him up high with the hit. Cowen was assessed a minor penalty for interference. Jokinen was hurt on the play but remained in the game.

The Panthers jumped out to the lead in the first period, but surrendered four unanswered goals.

It could’ve been worse for the Panthers. Forward Jussi Jokinen was on the receiving end of a high, late hit from Ottawa blue liner Jared Cowen in the second period. Jokinen remained down on the ice, but did stay in the game.

Cowen was handed a minor penalty for interference. He fought Shawn Thornton two seconds after stepping out of the box.

Andrew Hammond will make his second career start tonight when the Ottawa Senators play host to the Florida Panthers. Hammond made 42 saves in a win over the Montreal Canadiens Wednesday night in his first career start. It was the 27-year-old’s second NHL appearance. He carries a 2.96 G.A.A. and a .916 save percentage into tonight’s action.